Angiogram showed blockage in LAD.

[Tinalef]

Hi I was diagnosed with 50-60% blockage in LAD after angiogram in May last year. Put on statins, aspirin & amlodipine. Had a stress test last Aug & finally saw cardiologist last week who said to stay on meds. Stress test showed no problems. Advised to stay on meds as stable at moment. Blood pressure & cholesteral good. To go back in 2 years unless I get any further chest pains or symptoms.

However, do worry about every twinge, especially when read about widow maker. Feel positive one day then not so the next.

How will I know if blockage is getting worse & needs further investigation?? Scared I will just pop one day.

[IanGordon]

Hi Tinalef . Strangely I recall being more angry than concerned when an Angiogram revealed that my LAD required a couple of stents. This was in 2015 and since then there has been no further deterioration in my coronary arteries. My point is that things don't decline swiftly once medicated - I too am on Amlodopine and aspirin. It's only natural to be concerned but the fact that you are on medication and 2 year review suggests the risks are considered low. Coupled with your low BP and colesterol I would say you have a lot to feel positive about. Try to focus on the pluses, continue a heath lifestyle and try to avoid stress and I'm sure you'll feel fine. Any discomfort then back to your cardiologist for review. Otherwise enjoy life and count your blessings. Good luck!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to IanGordon]

Very much agree with Ian. A friend's father had a bypass in his fifties and is now in his nineties with no further issues. The main key to support your medical team is a healthy diet and lifestyle. One very important thing is do not smoke. I know someone who has stents and has been back for further treatment two or three times, and has a total of seven stents. Coffin nails seems an appropriate name for his cigarettes.

I take 1000mg SR Vitamin C daily as there is evidence that it helps prevent irritation of the arteries that can cause plaque build up as the body tries to repair itself.

[IanGordon in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you for the timely reminder MichaelJH , regarding supplementing with Vit C. I'd somehow dropped it of my daily routine but now recall the anti imflamatory and healing properties.

[Ynez1 in reply to IanGordon]

Hi , I found the replies really useful and a little soothing as being very new to unstable angina and high cholesterol etc (had myocardial infarction 3 wks ago) I too have some scary thoughts about popping off quicker than I am ready to. Thankyou

[Tinalef in reply to MichaelJH]

Thankfully I have never smoked. However that was the Drs first assumption that I was or had been a smoker!!

Thanks for the vit c suggestion.

[Sparkeybigshot1 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael after 2 stents fitted last June and suffering micro vascular angina. I have been recommended by a doctor to take vitamin c 1000 mg,magnesium citrate 150 mg, CoQ10 200 mg, vitamin K2, Krill oil, Plant Sterols 800mg, Tumeric and Black pepper 500mg.

All to help arteries and heart.

[Tinalef in reply to IanGordon]

Hi Thanks for your reply. They didn't stent as apparently have to be nearer 70% blocked. Keep telling myself that 40/50% therefore is unblocked.

Just had my first grandchild so yes definately counting my blessings.

You take care.

[IanGordon in reply to Tinalef]

That's the spirit! Half unblocked is definitely the way to look at it. Embrace the power of positive mental attitude. Wishing you good health and happy grandparenting.

[Plum53 in reply to Tinalef]

Hi I too have 80% blockage in mid/low LAD and told good blood flow given medication and told like you to let them know if more problems otherwise keep on with medication and see cardiologist in a year. I too have felt like you do now but we gave to live our lives best we can. I wish my blockage was only 60% I would feel much better if it was so try not to worry . Keep on

Meds . Try to live healthy lifestyle and i was told by heart nurse that could go into your 80 s without needing stents. Let's hope so . All the best x

[Jaycey]

Since you don't have to go back for a followup for 2 years I would consider that a plus! They would have you in far more often if there was anything to worry about. Enjoy life!

[controlcause]

Were you able to complete full excercise time of 9 minutes without ST depression showing up in your ecg ? if yes then you do not any medication . Just do excercise and diet + good habits like no smoking mentioned by Michael . Once in 2 years testing is good enough if you do not have any symptoms e.g angina or dizziness

[bobaxford]

I had a blocked LAD of 40% and no symptoms but unfortunately it progressed to 70% and I needed a bypass. At that time I did, and continue to do, lots of research. I recommend cut out all sugar and processed foods, take a daily brisk walk - I do just over 2 miles every morning and go to cardio rehab classes - I go 2x per week. I control my weight very easily now BMI 23 and am now off all meds except aspirin. Try and live stress free and not worry. Enjoy life but cut out all the unnecessary sugar and carbs.